Mother Earth Marvel Group

USA 1968 Though Mother Earth is often remembered as a vehicle for Tracy Nelson, Living With the Animals is a true group effort, combining memorable vocal performances with tight R n Bderived playing with excellent guitar work from Michael Bloomfield. Side one is a showcase for Nelson s blues belting and piano, particularly on Down So Low and Mother Not to be overlooked is the blues shuffle I Did My Part and R. P. St. John s sardonic Living With the Animals and Marvel Set, which features him on lead vocals. Side two offers some stellar moments here as well, including Cry On and Goodnight Nelda Grebe, with fine horn section work and excellent Nelson vocals. Written and fronted by St. John, The Kingdom of Heaven Is Within You is a brilliant closer; it s nocturnal, moody, and spacy and showcases beautiful muted trumpets and reeds with a gorgeous flute solo by Link Davis Jr.